My favorite diversion is adventure racing. A group of friends and I have been doing adventure races since 2001 as Team Ragged Glory. This year we did four races and finished well in each :
Planet Adventure Urban Sprint – 1st overall
Planet Adventure 30 Hour Challenge – 6th overall
Planet Adventure Urban Sprint Race – 2nd all male division
Indianapolis Adventure Race – 3rd overall
Our success this year was due to a combination of factors: experience, navigation skills and good team dynamics. It’s the people that are the key ingredient to the fun we have every year. I raced with some incredible teammates in 2011:
Eric Henricks – Exceptional navigator, calm thinker, great all-around athlete. Eric knows how to lead.
Dave Tanner – Endurance legend, incredible swimmer, cyclist and navigator. Dave is kind, gentle, and relaxed during every race.
Nancy Gawrys – Energetic, positive, focused, competitive and fun. Nancy is probably the best athlete on the team, and the easily the most fun.
Julie Nor – College athlete, long-distance deity, Julie is one of our youngest and strongest. Her first race with TRG was legendary. Her faith and her strength make every race memorable.
Steve Kincade – a founding member of Team Ragged Glory, Steve is more of a brother to me than a teammate. Steve navigates, he’s supportive and considerate in-race. He effortlessly cranks out unbelievable distance on foot. He’s a rock.
Jeff Boxell – Jeff’s steady, focused relentlessness and his understanding of the inner game of adventure racing make him an excellent teammate. And brother-in law.
Joe Madren – Another one of our youngest, Joe’s strength, team mind, and focus on the finish line all give him the strength to lead. He’s also a fine brother-in-law.
Bob Mueller – Fast, accurate navigator, our strongest cyclist and a true all-around athlete, when Bob’s race face is on, we’re headed toward the finish line. The last race this season was amazing thanks to Bob’s navigation.
And even though Leslie Thompson didn’t get to race this year, Team Ragged Glory is really all her fault. She is the one who introduced me to adventure racing in 1999. She is the third founding member of Team Ragged Glory. Thanks Lester.
If you haven’t tried adventure racing, make 2012 your year. If you’re fortunate enough, you can race with friends that you respect and admire. I’m grateful for the friendships with each of these teammates. These friends make me a better person.
